Islam Makhachev’s old comments on being a champion are being looked at in a different light.
At UFC 336, Carlos Prates faces Michael Morales for the interim welterweight title in one of the best style matchups the promotion could possibly book.
It’s understandable that this caused some confusion among fans due to the fact that the champion only defended his belt two months ago.
Makhachev explaining that he chose not to fight in January as he’d rather wait for there to be a clear contender hasn’t gone down well, especially given statements he’s made in the past.
- LATEST NEWS: Alexander Volkanovski defends Movsar Evloev’s UFC 333 performance after criticism: ‘Watch his next fight’
Should Islam Makhachev be stripped of his UFC welterweight title?
Makhachev’s comments on why he isn’t fighting at UFC 336 have rubbed fans up the wrong way.
Fans criticize Islam Makhachev’s approach when bringing up quote he made about Alexander Volkanovski rematch
Dana White was somewhat critical of Islam Makhachev’s activity when being asked about the champion choosing to not defend his title in January.
In the past, the UFC president has praised the Russian’s mentality when it comes to taking fights, with one quote in particular highlighting this.
Before Makhachev beat Alexander Volkanovski for a second time, he said this about accepting the matchup on short notice due to his original opponent, Charles Oliveira, getting injured.
“What does this title represent? It means you’re the best in the world and if you’re the best in the world, it doesn’t matter who is standing across from you. What do I say? No? Never. Let’s do this.”
White was such a fan of this quote that he asked his staff to put it up on the walls of the Apex and the Performance Institute.
With Makhachev referring back to this quote when he accepted an even shorter notice title fight with Renato Moicano last year, fans have brought it back up when criticizing the decision he made about competing at UFC 336.
- LATEST NEWS: Merab Dvalishvili’s teammate makes claim that UFC 333 title fight could’ve been scored a draw
“What does this title represent? It means you’re the best in the world and if you’re the best in the world, it doesn’t matter who’s going to be standing across from you. What do I say? No? NEVER. Let’s do this!” https://t.co/Nyj05z1mGs
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) January 17, 2025
‘Islam: this is a 2025 quote, for 2026 we do ‘If I’ve beaten someone who’s beaten them, I already won so no point fighting bratha,’ one fan mocked when quoting Makhachev’s post on X.
Various reactions to this old message were more along the lines of, ‘Oh word?’ and ‘Oh brother’, given the current discussion surrounding the welterweight champion.
‘Aged like milk left out in the Bolivian sun,’ commented another user.
‘I guess it’s easy to say this when it’s 24-hour Renato Moicano. But, when it’s full-camp Carlos Prates or Michael Morales the tone shifts. Odd,’ added a different fan.
For many, this marks a clear change in how they feel about Makhachev, with several posts calling for this quote to be taken off the walls now.
‘Dana White, take that s— down, bro. He’s not him.’
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Bloody Elbow content each week direct to your mailbox
